Robert Carter
Rev • Bashan Ministries
- Yes, I can agree with your premise. Further, the idea the Bible somehow replaced Holy Spirit's active role in believers, usually associated with mainly one verse, is quite weak to me and seems more of an assertive & opinionated bias than has a certainty of truth. Why would our Heavenly Father leave the Ecclesia powerless to the wolves? Additionally, the idea that Holy Scripture didn't exist during the Primitive Church age before 70 A.D. is nonsense. Are we seemingly powerless to have a relationship with Him in nothing more than just Holy Scripture reading? Don't these same Scriptures point to an active relationship with Him in its safe and singular, foundational revelation of who He is? At the same time, certainly, this new movement in the Apostolic, Prophetic & Charismatic has become quite troubling; much so, especially in this post-modern world of political turmoil. I certainly welcome fresh eyes on such deception but, do not wish to be misled yet further into other, pre-biased failures of doctrine. Should I buy it? Well, I've certainly seen these types of opinions in the past all too often; narrowly focused, often denominationally predisposed, often fearfully biased against such charismatic straw men, frequently mischaracterized as "emotionalism," etc.
- Charismatic is apostasy- it is fraught with error, especially in the area of the Holy Spirit- coming from one who was deceived by the lie.
- I shall not purchase this product. The reason is that topics like this are approached far too often from a purely academic viewpoint, hence the debates. This will probably arouse negative responses from armchair experts, but no-one can deny real-to-life experiences. Whilst sound biblical truths are necessary, but the problems are that the interpretation depends on denominative backgrounds. We have the Catholic viewpoint and Protestant viewpoints, Pentecostal and Charismatic, Presbyterian and Baptist opinions, mostly theoretical. Many people have had the privilege of visiting heaven and I am one. The experiences are not dreams or visions or “near death experiences”, but actual events. Unless one actually has such experiences, they are not truly qualified to make assumptions, despite their qualifications as it is all assumption and theoretical. Sorry…
- Hello Robert. I have many questions lol. Do you believe that you had any experiences in your visit that orthodox belief would contradict? Also, what's the biggest thing that stood out to you while you were there? One more - do you believe that God has some form of new revelation that would be directly inspired by Him and through you that wasn't meant to be held within the Scriptures?
- Richard - Have you read this book? Do you rest upon the Bible for your theology ?
- Greetings Robert. All kinds of people have claimed personal visions of heaven. The "experiences" range from the silly to the interesting. Those promoting them are usually quite sincere. Nevertheless, sincerity is not the biblical standard by which such things are tested. What do you believe would be an acceptable standard?
- I read the sample pages with interest and commend the author for his efforts. I will not add it to my collection however. The reason is that the comments, although good, follow similar lines of many other commentaries about "pentecostalism". They usually emanate from those who have never "had the experience" and are thus missing the core to the matter. I grew up in an Anglican environment, not a Pentecostal environment, but discovered what the Pentecostals experience without any external input from others. I was hungry and researched the scriptures for myself and now, as a non-denominational preacher have proved at first hand that this is a very real and scripturally sound Christian experience. Frederick Bruner's presentation...as per the sample pages is good, but as I said, I will not buy a copy. The reason? I ask him and others like him to cut past the intellectual and denominational approach and pray for truth.
- "A guide for the perplexed" is in itself perplexed. It amazes me how intelligent men can make assertions on something that they really know nothing about. Such material usually emanates from a purely intellectual...purely theoretical and seemingly tunnel vision based on denominational bias. The so-called "Pentecostals" are a mixed bunch to be sure, but so too are the orthodox and mainline denominations. Christians like "Attacking" other Christians over doctrinal differences. Why not spend all this time and effort in being truly useful in helping believers and non-believers to come to know God intimately and personally. The bottom line always seems to come down to the talking in tongues and the gifts parts. Be open and be honest.. I was an Anglican who know nothing about such things. I am now a Christian! rating zero
- Thank you for the information David. I make extensive use of Number in Scripture & also have Figures of Speech but was not aware of those other 2. I'll look for them
- Actually, I think the example of going to a foreign country & miraculously speaking their language is exactly on the mark; it fits perfectly with the context in which Paul addresses the PROBLEMS at Corinth. We can infer all we like, and rely on our own experience, but what does that count in the face of scripture which opposes our own (me included) views? You say "misconception" to refer to the authors view on the exposition of gifts for today... is he right, or you? With at least the issue of tongues, I think I'll have to go with his views regarding how the modern tongues movement uses this "gift", and I do so because scripture seems to give me no choice otherwise ("So then tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophecy is for a sign, not to unbelievers but to those who believe." 1 Cor 14:22). Tongues for today? Yes; when done by the Spirit, it will always be used in presenting the Gospel to unbelievers as per scripture. YMMV In Christ, Russ
- When I first saw the Pre-pub announcement, I thought this would be an interesting addition to my library. After reading the sample pages however, I was very disappointed. It is well presented and logical, but would only suit a serious theological student. It gives me the impression that it is full of the usual intellectual, theoretical, biassed approach of those who are already prejudiced. People hungry for God often come away empty for such reasons. I wonder if this is one reason why many churches are emptying and people walking away.
- Thank you. I do not like speaking negatively, but when good people miss out on knowing God or worse yet, going to hell because of religious gobbledook that really avails nothing other than to satisfy certain people's "pride" or whatever it is, it makes me very sad. They say that they are contending for the faith, but in reality are just contending. I wonder of the spirit of the scribe, pharisee and sadducee is still with us.
